Race Date: Sunday 12th October 2025

I started using a gym once a week after a physio told me that my lower back pain would be with me to my grave if I didn’t get it sorted. That was well over thirty years ago and he was correct with the problem returning with a vengeance if I ever miss a session. Growing to hate the place more and more I can spend an hour and a half there without talking to a single soul. Everyone has their earphones in and, if you do attempt to start a conversation, it’s like trying to talk to someone on the London Tube. But the point of this rant is to compare it to Clifton Park yesterday. No mud, the sun was shining after early mist had cleared and there was a real buzz. There’s the chance to meet friends and rivals from other clubs that you may not have seen since last December whilst there’s a strong family element too with all the age group races and the club tent providing the focus for Steel City to congregate. With it’s team element there’s the opportunity to cheer on clubmates so this league opener is very much a social event and not just a race.

The start of the Womens and M65 race. Does Sarah Thorne have her hands over her ears so that starter Keith Binney can’t see her earphones? (Photo: Malcolm Baggaley)

The going was definitely firm with the spanner out to remove last season’s rusted in National 15mm spikes to be replaced with 9mm although trail shoes or even flats (not super shoes) would have been fine. As is usual for the first event of the season distances are a little shorter than the remaining races with the women running 5000m and the men 8000m. Clifton Park is still testing with energy sapping grass and an undulating course. The camber on the descent to the bandstand was unpleasant whilst having the finish line only 100m after the final, hands on knees, climb back up from the bandstand was unkind if not downright sadistic. Great fun.

Sarah Thorne looking strong. No earphones. (Photo: Malcolm Baggaley)

There are always events that conflict with cross country but with the Holmfirth 10k (part of the Road Race Championships) and some of the stars away at the European Masters in Madeira and the Manchester Half Marathon, Steel City numbers took a bit of a battering so there’s work to be done if the club are to retain their position as champions for 2025 after winning the league in 2024. Next race is at Longley Park on 26th October. In the women’s event Sarah Thorne and Caroline Brock renewed their rivalry from 2024 with Sarah prevailing by just the one second this time. A new face to many, Richard Carter-Pearson led the men home with the veteran men making a good showing as usual. Chris Ireland is new to the M65 category, finishing third. When Jed Turner returns from Madeira Steel City could do well if the third M65 can provide some decent support.

Autumn is definitely here as the men charge down one of the many hills. (Photo: Emily Green)

Senior and Veteran Ladies, 154 Finishers